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New Law Beefs Up Regulation On Dog Breeders

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has signed into law a measure to crack down on high-volume dog breeding operations that critics call puppy mills.

Kasich's office says he signed the bill Tuesday.

The measure bolsters regulations on the care and treatment of animals housed in large-scale establishments and distinguishes the facilities from traditional dog kennels. Those considered "dog retailers" will have to be licensed.

The bill creates an advisory board to provide guidance on care standards for the facilities. It also allows the director of the state's agriculture department to contract with local veterinarians to conduct inspections.

Animal rescues would have to register with the state. That raised concerns from one nonprofit rescue in Cleveland that the regulations would be onerous.